Word Processing Software
Introduction
Many computers in the Navy have some sort of word processing software
installed. For DMs, word processing software composes flawless text for
subsequent reproduction. Because there is a variety of text-handling
programs in several different versions in the fleet, no attempt to address
specific programs is made in this training manual. You must become
familiar with your work center computer and the word processing software
installed on it.
Word
processing
programs
Word processing programs create flawless documents by using extensive and
sophisticated editing features that typewriters cannot offer. Editing features
distinguish one word processing program from another. No one program
contains all features. As word processing programs evolve, however, certain
features become common.
Word
processing
software
manuals
The most valuable source of reference for your computer and software
package is the owner/operator manual. These manuals are meant to be used
for reference daily. Keep the manuals handy. It takes a lot of experience
before you can disregard the manual without losing computer capability.
Word
processing
software
features
Word processing software features are standardizing as the medium evolves,
but, part of evolution is the creation of and streamlined access to new
features. Features that once took several keystrokes to access now have their
own icon on toolbars and require only that you point and click the mouse.
Document
formatting
features
Before entering text into documents, set document parameters regarding
margins, justification, text centering, setting text flush, setting headers,
footers, endnotes, and page numbers. Define a document before you begin.
Failure to define document parameters creates major control problems during
corrections or revisions. Modifying documents with undefined parameters
results in text splattered across the page and irregular margins. This is
frustrating and confusing when you are trying to make corrections.
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